Same-Sex Marriages Begin In Alabama On Monday
Barring a last-minute stay from the U.S. Supreme Court, on Monday Alabama becomes the 37th state to recognize same-sex marriage. Despite some heated political debate, most probate courts around the state are getting ready to issue marriage licenses to gay couples.
Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to extend the stay since justices will consider the issue of gay marriage later this year. As of this writing, the court had not responded to the state’s request.
Jefferson County Probate Judge Alan King says his court is looking forward to issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples and presiding over their ceremonies. And they’re preparing for a large influx of couples.
“We will have two lines open, and we are fully prepared to open a third to ensure that every couple who wants a marriage license will get one,” King says. “We will have several rooms available here for couples to have their ceremonies in, but we are expecting a large crowd, so couples will have to be patient.”
Judge King also says that the court is willing to get a bit creative. “Now maybe it’ll be a pretty day, and maybe folks will want to have ceremonies, if there is a large crowd, out in the park.” Same-sex marriage supporters are planning celebrations outside courthouses throughout Alabama.
While most probate courts in the state will issue licenses to same-sex couples, a few others will not. The probate judges of Pike County and Covington County have stated that they refuse to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, and a few judges from counties such as Madison, Marengo, and Chilton have said that they will issue licenses to same-sex couples, but, in protest, will no longer preside over any marriages.
Donald Trump files $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times
President Donald Trump filed a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times and four of its journalists on Monday, according to court documents.
Kennedy’s vaccine panel expected to recommend delaying hepatitis B shot in children
RFK Jr.'s hand-picked panel of vaccine advisors is expected to vote to delay the hepatitis B shot for newborns. Doctors warn that could fuel a return of a disease virtually eradicated in U.S. kids.
On Texas border, uninsured people stress the health system. It’s set to get worse
In South Texas' Rio Grande Valley, many people go without health insurance, and the health system struggles as a result. Similar communities dot the nation.
FBI Director Patel set to testify on Capitol Hill amid questions over his leadership
Kash Patel's appearance in the Senate comes at a delicate time for the director, who is a loyalist of President Trump but has no experience leading an organization like the FBI.
Israel’s military says its expanded operation in Gaza City has begun
The announcement by the Israeli military further escalated the Israel-Hamas war as any potential ceasefire feels even further out of reach despite weeks of diplomacy.
Trump says the U.S. military targeted a boat allegedly carrying drugs from Venezuela
President Trump said the U.S. military on Monday again targeted a boat allegedly carrying drugs from Venezuela, killing three aboard the vessel.
